Comparative Theology Meets Social Work
From September 16th to September 17th, 2025, the International Meeting on Comparative Theology (IMoC) 2025 will take place at Paderborn University as part of the AIWG-format „ITS-Colloquium.“ This year’s conference is dedicated to „Comparative Theology and Social Work.“
The conference is organized by the Center for Comparative Theology and Cultural Studies (ZeKK) and the Paderborn Institute for Islamic Theology (PIIT) at the University of Paderborn, the Center for Comparative Theology and Social Issues (CTSI) at the University of Bonn, and the Faculty of Theology in Paderborn (THF). It aims to provide an interdisciplinary platform for PhD students and young researchers in Comparative Theology and related disciplines to exchange ideas.
This year’s theme, „Comparative Theology and Social Work,“ explores the intersection of religion, social work, social justice, and social (in)equality. The conference will foster interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars, addressing how religious traditions, theological principles, and interfaith collaboration can contribute to social engagement and justice work. Scholars are encouraged to submit abstracts addressing key themes such as interreligious pastoral care, community outreach, ethics in social work, and the role of religious communities in social justice.
The event welcomes contributions from Pre-Docs and Post-Docs in Theology, Religious Studies (Islamic, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Comparative Theology), as well as Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines related to social justice, ethics, and inequality in relation to religion. As comparative theology is often faced from a Christian side, we are especially searching for desiderata from Jewish and Muslim social or pastoral care.
Abstracts (300–500 words) should outline the research question, methodology, and relevance to the conference themes. A short biography (max. 150 words) should accompany the submission.
Submissions are due by April 21th, 2025, and should be sent to submission email: imoc2025[at]kw.uni-paderborn.de.
Organizers & contact persons for your questions:
- Sarah Lebock (ZeKK, Paderborn University)
- Gülbahar Erdem (PIIT, Paderborn University)
- Tarik Eroglu (PIIT, Paderborn University)
Please use the mail address mentioned above.
The program and terms for participation will be provided here soon.
Accommodation will be provided for speakers, and limited funding for travel expenses may be available. For further details on funding, accommodation, and travel, please contact us.
About the ITS Colloquia
With its ITS Colloquia, AIWG provides scholars in Islamic Theology and Religious Education with diverse opportunities for networking, exchanging perspectives, discovering potential, and expanding research horizons within Islamic Theological Studies. Applications can be submitted at any time.
